Happy Birthday to ACE

Today marks 5 years since I set up ACE, in some ways it feels like a lifetime ago and in others it feels like it was yesterday.

Last year I talked about the 4 lessons I’d learnt during my first 4 years.

Plans are good – I resisted this for a long time, but having a plan really does help you move forward

Find your support – get help with the tasks you don’t need (or don’t want) to do

Trust your instinct – if something feels “off” then it probably is

Embrace the freedom – freedom to say no, to say yes, to take an afternoon off, to book onto that course you’ve always wanted to do, to take a risk … the list goes on …

These still remain true today – I have definitely got better at planning, I’ve continued to build my support network (despite COVID restricting face to face meetings), my instinct still plays a big role in the relationships I nurture and the freedom brings me joy everyday.

My key learning for this year is done is better than perfect.  I’ve finally realised that in terms of business development and planning these tasks don’t need to be perfectly completed all the time.  Most things are always going to be a work in progress, and it is so much better to get something done rather than holding it back because it isn’t exactly how I’d pictured it.  I hasten to add that I’ll always strive to deliver reliable, accurate data for my clients – your data will always be perfect.

I’ve decided that from next year I’m going to mark my business birthday by taking a day off.  I’ve spent much of the last five years planning and looking forward, so I’m going to start using my business anniversary to take time out and reflect on how far I’ve come and what I have achieved.   Roll on next year ….

If you are thinking of conducting a research project and would like some advice then please get in touch, I would be happy to talk through the options with you.  Get in touch for a chat to find out how market research can help you make better business decisions www.acemr.co.uk/contact